Vieira charged by FA

The FA has charged Manchester City midfielder Patrick Vieira with violent conduct.
The charge relates to an incident involving Stoke City player Glenn Whelan during the first half of the match at the Britannia Stadium on Tuesday, February 16.

Vieira has until 6pm on Thursday, February 18 to respond to the charge. A Regulatory Commission will hear the charge on Friday, February 19.

Bellamy in the mix for Sunday,says Boss

Craig Bellamy will be available for selection for Sunday’s crunch game against Liverpool if his good progress coming back from a knee injury continues.
At his Friday morning press conference, Blues manager Roberto Mancini stated that the striker had been working with physios at Carrington since Wednesday and that if his early Friday morning session was a success he would join the main group for training.

Mancini also moved swiftly to scotch stories in some newspapers of an argument between himself and Bellamy.

“I read that I have a problem with him, that I shouted at him. Craig trained on Wednesday, yesterday and he will train today. I have spoken to him, face to face, but as a manager speaks to a player," he stressed.

"I have not shouted at him, never. I am happy to resolve things, face to face, in a room but I do not have a problem with him. If his knee is OK today and tomorrow, he will be available for Sunday.


“I did not tell him to go away for three months, that is false. He is here training today, he worked with the physio for the first time on Wednesday for the first time in 12 days.

"He worked with the physio on Thursday when the other players were off, he did so again today and if he is alright after he will be with us for training.”

The Manager will be hoping to have Bellamy as an option for the game which pits City against the team immediately below them and vying for that coveted fourth place in the Barclays Premier League table.

The Welshman could prove vital, especially with Mancini revealing that Martin Petrov has a knee injury of his own that will keep him sidelined for three to four weeks.

Also out of contention for Sunday is Patrick Vieira, who starts a three match ban at the weekend.

Mancini confirmed that he had not yet spoken the French legend about the incident and the ban.

Stoke City 1-1 Man City (EPL)

Gareth Barry’s late equaliser moved City into the coveted fourth Champions League spot on a night that seemed to be turning sour for Roberto Mancini’s men.

With the hosts reduced to ten men for most of the second half, Glenn Whelan agonisingly fired Tony Pulis’ side into an unlikely lead and even after Barry’s leveller, the Potters thought they’d won the game with almost the last kick of the match.

With five changes from the FA Cup line-up at the weekend, there was more height and muscle to the starting XI Mancini selected for the trip to the Britannia Stadium.

Out went Wayne Bridge, Stephen Ireland, Pablo Zabaleta, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Martin Petrov and in came Micah Richards, Adam Johnson, Javier Garrido, Patrick Vieira and Roque Santa Cruz.

Stoke went into the game in fine form having avoided defeat in eight league and cup matches – unbeaten in 2010 no less - and began the game with an expected aerial bombardment into the Blues' box.

In fact, the Potters should have gone ahead with barely four minutes when the unmarked Mamady Sidibe shot straight at Shay Given from six yards out. Two minutes later former City midfielder Whelan also should have done better from close range.

The packed and noisy Britannia Stadium - surely a contender with Oldham's Boundary Park for the title of 'Coldest Ground in England' - made for a hostile atmosphere for the visitors.

Delap's throw-ins were a constant threat, but as City continued to weather the early pressure without conceding, they could at least take comfort from the fact that only Portsmouth and Wolves had scored less Premier League goals this season.

City occasionally broke with purpose but Stoke's attacks carried more menace, though neither keeper was really tested in the first 45 minutes and the hosts' attacks gradually subsided.

Seven minutes after the break, the complexion of the game changed completely. Adebayor chased a long through ball with Abdoulaye Faye. Racing neck-and-neck, the Togolese striker gradually edged ahead of the Stoke skipper and Faye appeared to tug him to the ground.

Initially, referee Alan Wiley saw the challenge to be a fair one, but called a halt to play when his assistant flagged for his attention. Moments later Faye, who had been the last defender, was heading for an early bath with a stright red card shown for his misdemeanour.

Substitutions for both teams immediately followed with Liam Lawrence making way for Salif Diao and Wright-Phillips replacing Garrido as the Blues sniffed the chance of three points.

The dismissal seemed to lift Stoke more than the Blues who, despite camping in the Potters' half for 15 minutes, couldn't find a way through a packed and committed defence.

Then, on 71 minutes, a poor clearance from Johnson found Whelan who took aim and fired a low drive from 25 yards past Given to hand Stoke an unlikely lead on 71 minutes. It was typical that a side who spend so much energy on set-pieces should score with such a sublime strike from open play.

With the home fans in raptures, the Blues looked shaken and bereft of ideas. The thought of another demoralising defeat on the road seemed to consume them for the next 10 minutes or so until - at last - the breakthrough.

With four minutes remaining, substitute Pablo Zabaleta’s lofted cross found Adebayor who in turn flicked it into the path of Barry. The England midfielder's scrambled shot struck the post but he still managed to prod home the rebound to level the score.

The travelling fans now allowed themselves to think of three points rather than none, particularly when 24,000 home fans groaned at the five minutes of added time announcement

Yet there was still time for one more scare. Delap won a throw-in by the corner flag with 95 minutes on the clock. He dried the ball, stepped back and launched the ball into the box for Ryan Shawcross to head home at the far post.

With the home fans going crazy, referee Wiley stood with his arm pointing towards the centre - but not for a goal - for a foul, much to the fury of the home fans and the relief of those travelling from Manchester. Seconds later it was all over.

Man City 1-1 Stoke City (FA CUP)

Few people embrace a cup competition more warmly than Roberto Mancini and his love affair with England’s most historic version is still aglow.
It is appropriate that the next instalment of his passion should unfold on Valentine’s Day when the sixth round FA Cup draw will take place though his side will need all its heart after conceding home advantage after this less than dynamic draw.

Mancini is an avid devourer of the knockout format of the game having won the Coppa Italia no fewer than six times as a player and four as a manager but his ardour may be tested to the full in the replay.

City are no strangers to the sixth round of the FA Cup having reached the last eight in successive seasons in 2005-06, 2006-07 only to have been sent packing by West Ham United and Blackburn Rovers and they really should have been in the hat alone given the weight of possession they enjoyed.

However, there was a crucial lack of a cutting edge and Stoke were the ones celebrating at the final blast of Mark Clattenburg’s whistle.

It is said that familiarity breeds contempt and if that is the case then disregard could be the theme of the night at the Britannia Stadium in the next couple of weeks.

Tuesday will see the third meeting since Boxing Day for the two sides with the plot of this particular tale of two Cities still open to twists and turns.

Stoke were the first team to face the Mancini led Blues back at Christmas time when after just a week of working with his side, goals from Martin Petrov and Carlos Tevez gave the stylish Italian the best possible start to his reign as manager.

The home line up for this FA Cup tie was, however, quite dissimilar to the one that did duty that December day. With several injured and rested stars due back for the Premier League clash in three days time the cast list is likely to change markedly yet again.

Tevez was absent on compassionate leave for family matters in Argentina, there was no Craig Bellamy on view, Adam Johnson, the instantly successful January recruit from Middlesbrough was cup tied and with Vincent Kompany and Patrick Vieira afforded the luxury of a rest after a heavy workload a chance to grab the limelight was handed to Joleon Lescott, Martin Petrov, Stephen Ireland and Shaun Wright-Phillips.

It was a timely return for Wright-Phillips as England boss Fabio Capello turned up to see the four men in Blue who may yet make his World Cup squad.

Gareth Barry and Wayne Bridge were both busy and impressive enough but it was SWP who caught the eye in the 11th minute scoring what it in the end turned out to be one of the simplest goals of his career.

Ireland’s through ball from the half way line sent Wright-Phillips hurtling towards the penalty area where he chipped over the advancing Thomas Sorensen. Ryan Shawcross was odds on to clear the danger in a little versus large foot race but the defender slipped under the ball then inexplicably nodded it back into the path of the City man who said thank you very much and rolled it home from a yard.

Thereafter his confidence high, Wright-Phillips gave Andy Wilkinson a torrid time to the point where the full back was booked for one bad tackle too many.

Bridge then showed his worth to the England coach blocking superbly from substitute Liam Lawrence who looked poised to score at the far post just before the half hour mark.

Five previous FA Cup ties between these two sides have been settled by a one goal margin and without recourse to a replay but this was not destined to be another.

The home side dominated possession but were hit with a sucker punch in 56th minute when football’s worst kept secret, a Rory Delap throw in, came hurtling into the box and Ricardo Fuller nodded in a simple equaliser.

It was nip and tuck thereafter with Mancini’s men coming closest to a winner when Barry’s 78th minute header brought a fine save from Sorensen.

Toure expected to make Cup match

Manchester City v Stoke City (Preview)



Roberto Mancini expects to have skipper Kolo Toure available for Manchester City's FA Cup fifth round tie against Stoke.
Toure limped out of Tuesday's win over Bolton with a knee injury but has now recovered and is expected to partner £22million summer arrival Joleon Lescott in central defence because Vincent Kompany (groin) is out.

Craig Bellamy (knee) is also sidelined, while new signing Adam Johnson is cup-tied, having played against City for Middlesbrough earlier in the competition.

City swooped to land Johnson in an £8million deal with Middlesbrough on deadline day and already the 22-year-old has made a massive impression at Eastlands.

The England Under-21 star followed up his eye-catching debut at Hull by collecting man-of-the-match honours in the midweek win over Bolton.

"Johnson is a great player,'' Mancini said.

"If he continues like he is at the moment he could get into the national team.

"I remember Ryan Giggs when he was young and the way he moved. Johnson is the same player.

"If he keeps working hard he has a good chance for the future.''

"Maybe the FA Cup is more important to me than it is for Arsene Wenger.''

Given how close City got to reaching the Carling Cup final before they eventually succumbed to neighbours Manchester United, there is almost a desperation about the Blue camp to reach a Wembley showpiece for the first time since 1981.

And, although he qualified his comment, the City boss is more keen to beat Stoke this weekend than when the pair do battle again with points at stake.

"The FA Cup match against them is the most important one because it is the next one,'' stated Mancini.

"We want to get to Wembley and to achieve this we need to win, but it would also help put us in a good mood for next week.''

City are aiming to reach the last eight for the third time in recent years and will start heavy favourites to overcome a Stoke outfit they defeated easily as recently as Boxing Day in what was Mancini's first game in charge.

However, the Italian's knowledge extends beyond the result to the searching examination Stoke provided before Petrov opened the scoring.

"I remember the game,'' he said.

"It started off being very difficult and Shay Given made a good save after about 10 minutes, otherwise the result might have been different.''

Stoke manager Tony Pulis has a few late decisions to make regarding the fitness of a number of players.

Captain Abdoulaye Faye has missed the last two matches with a back problem but may be ready to return.

Pulis said one or two other unnamed players had minor knocks which would all need to be assessed prior to the evening kick-off at Eastlands.

Ricardo Fuller, a second-half substitute in the 1-1 midweek Barclays Premier League draw at Wigan after being arrested over allegations of a nightclub assault, could return to the starting line-up at the expense of Tuncay Sanli.

Pulis will tell his players they cannot afford to be intimidated by Manchester City and must take the game to their opponents.

The Potters boss believes some of his squad still have something of an inferiority complex when it comes to tackling the bigger teams of the Barclays Premier League.

But in a cup competition all that matters is winning and Pulis intends to attack Roberto Mancini's side from the off.

"I am looking to pick a positive team and go there to have a right go,'' he said.

"It is very important we go there and be positive and the team I pick is not overawed by the occasion or the players they are playing against.

"I think we have gone to one or two grounds and been a little bit in awe still this year.

"But our away performances have been a lot better than last year and the only way to break the taboo is by winning.

"I'm sure the last thing Roberto Mancini wants - and we all want - is a draw so it's 'gloves off' because I think both sides will want a result one way or the other.''

Despite having beaten Arsenal in the last round Pulis said his side are still second favourites against City.

He feels Mancini's players will be under some pressure to win a trophy this season, having already missed out on the Carling Cup final, because of the huge financial investment made by their Abu Dhabi-based owners.

"It's going to be very difficult for us in a game against one of the richest clubs in the world,'' he said.

"But Manchester City have spent an absolute fortune on players and they will be expecting a return for that investment.

"They've got two chances to do that by winning the cup or qualifying for the Champions League so there is that pressure on them, whereas we're the underdogs and we're looking forward to it.''

LIVERPOOL NEWS

Benayoun returns to training


Rafael Benitez has revealed that Yossi Benayoun has return to first-team training with Liverpool after his broken rib.

Benayoun has not featured since the FA Cup defeat to Reading on January 13 and was ruled out for around a month, suggesting his comeback is not far behind schedule.

"Yossi was training with the team," Benitez told the club's official website. "Still we have to be careful with his rib but he was training."

Benayoun is not expected to feature in Thursday's Europa League tie at home to Unirea Urziceni but could be in the squad for their crucial Premier League match at Manchester City.

Meanwhile, Benitez hopes 19-year-old former Barcelona attacker Dani Pacheco can establish himself in the first-team in the near future.

"Dani is continuing to train with the first team," he said. "When we let (Andriy) Voronin go (to Dynamo Moscow), we immediately brought Dani into the group and every day you can see that he is progressing. His training is good.

"Every day you are thinking about when you can play, he has been on the bench a lot and sometimes you are thinking when it might be right to put him on, but you also have to think about senior players and giving time to others who need it.

"The one thing we know, though, is Dani is a player with quality. He has game intelligence and we know that he can make a difference. He is still very young but we are pleased with him and he is doing well."

He added: "Dani has no problems when he is in possession. He is clever and he always wants to try difficult things but that shows the quality that he has.

"The fact he is training with us shows what we think of him. He is with us all the time and that means he can play at any time. It depends on the game but, clearly, if he continues to keep working as he has been doing, he will definitely get his chance."

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE NEWS

Leonardo hails 'perfect' Beckham ahead of United


AC Milan boss Leonardo has praised David Beckham as being "tactically perfect" ahead of the visit of Manchester United on Tuesday, but he refused to guarantee the midfielder will start against his old club.

After starting Milan's first five league games of 2010, Beckham has been a substitute in their last two, although he did play the final 15 minutes of the 3-2 win over Udinese on Friday night.

But Leonardo discarded the notion that former United midfielder Beckham was being saved for his "special match'' next week, insisting he had and will continue to pick the team he believes is best suited for each individual game.

"We know it's a very special match for him,'' said Leonardo. "It's very special to play in the Champions League against his own team, let's say it like that. But we have got to analyse everything and we have a lot of players in good condition. We'll see how everybody is to choose the best team.''

Against Udinese, Amantino Mancini took the role Beckham has occupied since arriving at the Rossoneri in December, but he is ineligible to face the Red Devils having already appeared in the competition for his former club Inter Milan. His position will therefore be up for grabs.

Mancini was replaced by Alexandre Pato while Beckham had to wait until late on before taking the place of Ronaldinho, whose place in the team on Tuesday does not appear to be in any doubt after another inspirational performance against Udinese. But Leonardo's praise of Beckham's adaptability means the former England captain has a good chance of featuring against his former employers.

"I think he can play anywhere,'' added Leonardo. "He's smart and intelligent and tactically he's perfect. There are no problems choosing a system or a position for him. He's been doing very well this year. He arrived in December and he knows the team and how we play. I think David has nothing to prove to anybody. His career speaks for itself because what he did in football is something very big.''

Milan's game against Udinese set a precedent with the Italian Football League agreeing to bring the fixture forward 24 hours to grant the Rossoneri an extra day to prepare for Tuesday's encounter. However, United's elimination from the FA Cup means they have a free weekend and this could favour them, according to Leonardo.

"Fortunately we have played on Friday so we can rest a bit more, but Manchester played the other day so they have six days, which is two days more than us,'' he said. "The more you rest, the better and the more players you get back. Manchester also had some players out injured who may benefit from these extra days, but at least we played today and this gives us two days more (than usual), which is an advantage.''

Leonardo will be looking to establish an advantage for his side on Tuesday night and not leave them a mountain to climb in the second leg at Old Trafford.

"I think it is in our DNA that we always try to win,'' he said. "We always start the game only with the thought of victory.''

Hollywood News: Tila Tequila Pregnant with Brothers Baby the Ultrasound Picture

Tila Tequila, aka Thien Thanh Thi Nguyen, is in fact pregnant with her brother’s baby. This is not technically incest since it is her brother’s sperm and his wife’s egg, so Tila is just a surrogate.

Surrogate mothers are supposed to turn the child over to the biological parents once they give birth, but Tila says she is going to keep the baby because she has no friends. I don’t believe Tila since she is a habitual liar, and because Tila has no legal right to keep the baby if she is not the biological parent. Tila would make the worst parent imaginable. This is all for publicity, and then to garner more interest in her train wreck of a life she posted this statement:

" I feel stronger than ever, more confident than ever, and most importantly, I know now what really matters in life. LOVE, and this baby saved Mommy’s life, because many times before, Mommy has wanted to kill herself, but now with my baby, Mommy is going to live a long happy life now and be with my child. Everything from this moment on, will ONLY be about my child. Every penny I make, will go into my child’s savings.”

“So goodbye Hollywood. It’s been a fun ride being here with you all. I have had a lot of great memories of ‘LIVING IN THE LIMELIGHT’ however, at this point. I have seen how vicious living in the limelight can be and it is not something I want anymore.”


One thing will never change for Tila, she will always be a whore, and whore’s always whore themselves out to make money. I have no doubt Tila will be back after this commercial break. Stay tuned to see Tila on the cover of some magazine with her brother’s baby to collect another paycheck.

Hollywood News: Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor Kissing Picture

Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor star in a movie called I Love You Phillip Morris.

The movie is described as such:

The story begins with Russell, played by Jim Carrey, on his deathbed recalling the events of his life that led him there. He begins with his life in Texas as a happily married police officer who plays the organ at church, prays every night with his wife (Leslie Mann) and spends his off hours searching for the biological mother who gave him up as a child. That, and hes gay. But after finding and being handily rejected by the mother who gave him up as a baby, Steven leaves his life and family behind to go out into the world and be his true, flamboyantly gay self. He moves to Miami, finds a boyfriend (Rodrigo Santoro) and begins living the high life. He realizes quickly though, that a life of luxury is expensive, leading this resourceful former cop to turn to a life as a conman. But when his con work finally catches up with him, Steven is sent to prison where he meets, and almost instantly falls in love with Phillip Morris, played by Ewan McGregor. From there the story becomes a Don Quixote-esque story of a forlorn lover who cannot bear to be separated from his soul-mate. He will go to any lengths to be with Phillip, including but not limited to breaking out of jail on multiple occasions, impersonating Phillips lawyer and fraudulently becoming the CFO of a major corporation.

Hollywood News: Conrad Murray Charged with Involuntary Manslaughter in Michael Jackson Death

Doctor Conrad Murray pled not guilty today when he was charged with Involuntary Manslaughter in the death of Michael Jackson at his arraignment hearing. Involuntary manslaughter carries a maximum of 4 years in prison.

Dr. Murray will be booked into jail today, and bail was set by judge at $75,000, which is three times the normal bail schedule, but much less than the $300,000 the district attorney requested. The judge ordered Dr. Murray must surrender his passport to the court, restricted Murray’s medical license whereas he cannot use anesthetic agents such as propofol or heavy sedatives that would be given by an anesthesiologist to put a patient to sleep.

Murray appear again before the court on April 5, 2010.

City boss Mancini still confident of top four finish

Roberto Mancini insists he is more confident than ever that Manchester City can finish fourth in the Premier League this season, despite suffering two defeats in his first six league games in charge.

Mancini watched his team go down 2-1 at Hull on Saturday to equal the number of league defeats suffered this season by his predecessor Mark Hughes.

But with Tottenham and Aston Villa sharing the points from their weekend clash, City remain three points off Liverpool in fourth with two games in hand on the teams around them going into tomorrow's clash with Bolton and Mancini believes his side have what it takes to break up the established 'big four'.

"I'm even more confident,'' Mancini said. "Because in the first three or four games we have played very well after we've lost players [to injury]. I'm confident when I recover all the players we can win this week at home and then win away [at Stoke on Tuesday].

"We must remember we have two games in hand and if we win them we go fourth. We have a good chance if we win this game. When we recover all our players I don't think it's a problem.''

Despite City's vast wealth, Mancini spent modestly in the January transfer window, signing Patrick Vieira on loan from Inter Milan and then adding young winger Adam Johnson from Middlesbrough on deadline day.

However, he inherited a large and talented squad following Hughes' spending spree last summer, and that has meant he has received little sympathy while continually referring to the injury problems he has encountered since taking over. But that does not mean Mancini is about to change his tune.

"I think this is a good squad but we have had more players injured and this is difficult,'' he said. "In midfield, we have had only three midfielders, Gareth (Barry), Nigel (de Jong) and Stephen (Ireland), and it's impossible that you can play a season with only three midfielders.''


The midfield engine room has been a particular problem for City of late, with Gareth Barry underperforming. Vieira made his debut in the second half of the Hull defeat, but despite impressing, he arrived too late to turn the result around.

The first half was arguably City's worst display under Mancini, and the usually cool Italian admitted he had let his players know about it at half-time.

"Yes, I was angry,'' he said. "This is normal. I was angry after the first half, but I told them if they had a good second half they could recover.''

City improved after the break, but could not find an equaliser as Hull lifted themselves out of the drop zone, leaving Mancini in need of three points tomorrow to quickly restore his side's momentum.

"I watch the players every day and when they work they work well and they want to arrive at our targets,'' he said. "On this I'm very confident. I think that Tottenham, Liverpool, Aston Villa, Manchester City and Arsenal are five teams playing for two places and we have a good chance.''

Manchester City 2 - 0 Bolton Wanderers

Man City close gap on top four

A new Manchester City star was born in winger Adam Johnson as the Blues nudged up towards the top four with victory over Bolton Wanderers.

Strike duo Carlos Tevez and Emmanuel Adebayor might have scored the goals that leave City trailing fourth-placed Liverpool on goal difference, but there was no doubt Johnson was the real star.
Signed for £8million from Middlesbrough on deadline day, the 22-year-old left to a standing ovation six minutes from time after providing most of the thrills on a chilly evening.

It was Johnson who won the penalty that Tevez converted to put City ahead. And although fellow new-boy Patrick Vieira set up Adebayor to seal victory, it was Johnson who kept Bolton on the back foot and ensured there was no second away point of the season for Owen Coyle, whose only other one came on this ground in November when he was still at Burnley.

It is a run that must end quickly given Bolton could easily find themselves in the drop zone after tomorrow night's games, and facing Coyle with a massive job to prove it was not a mistake to bring him in to replace Gary Megson.

While Vieira required no introduction on his home debut, Johnson remained a bit of an unknown in these parts.

Not in his native north-east though, where he was rated good enough to merit a place in the Middlesbrough line-up, aged just 20, even though Stewart Downing occupied his favoured left-sided midfield berth.
Those days on the right flank have served the England Under-21 star well by the ease with which he swapped wings to unsettle the Bolton defence.

City were probably glad they made their deadline-day purchase too.
Without Johnson's swift movement and nimble feet, Roberto Mancini's men might have been in trouble against a Bolton side, trying to metamorphosise into a passing team under Coyle while at the same time desperately attempting to stave off relegation. The arrival of Jack Wilshere should help.

Arsene Wenger clearly approves of Coyle's approach to the beautiful game and Wilshere brings an element of silk to go with the steel Bolton will also need if they are going to survive.
What the Trotters can certainly do without is the kind of rash tackle Paul Robinson made to chop down Johnson, when the only place he seemed to be heading was over the goal-line.
Referee Mike Jones had no doubt it was a penalty despite Robinson's protests, TV replays indicating the Bolton full-back was engaging in a cover-up exercise given the ridiculous nature of his challenge.
Not that Kolo Toure did any better when he scrambled across Johan Elmander, sending the Swede tumbling to the deck as he was about to reach a loose ball with his back to Shay Given's goal.

The protests were just as fierce but this time Jones said no, denying Bolton a chance to level Carlos Tevez's 19th goal of the campaign after Jussi Jaaskelainen had failed to keep the South American's poor effort out.
Bolton could have done with getting Wilshere into more central positions because with a bit more guile they could easily have levelled, such was the impetus they gained at the start of the second period.
As has been pointed out to Wenger repeatedly over the past few days, possession and passes are all very well, but football's hard currency will always remain goals and points.

Mancini was sufficiently disturbed to abandon his solid three-man midfield line by bringing on Shaun Wright-Phillips for Wayne Bridge, a move that involved a significant reshuffle given one is a right-winger, the other a left-back; Gareth Barry's adaptability allowing him to fill the latter role.
The move was unorthodox. But it worked a treat, unlike Bolton's offside trap as the visitors failed to keep tabs on Adebayor as he ran onto Vieira's elegant chipped through ball.

A chest control and crisp, volleyed finish came straight out of the textbook and Adebayor raced away to celebrate.

Bolton continued to huff and puff until the final whistle, by which time Johnson had departed to a standing ovation he is set to receive plenty of on this evidence.

Roque Santa Cruz Bio

Roque Santa Cruz made a name for himself rapidly. He started at Olimpia at the age of nine, and his goalscoring made him the club's most promising young gun. Luis Cubilla called him up to the first team at the age of 15, and he made his debut a year later.
In the 1998 and 1999 seasons, Santa Cruz won two titles with Olimpia and was chosen as Paraguayan player of the year. As expected, many offers arrived from abroad, and Bayern Munich signed him in 1999. But despite his talent and a rapport with fans, he never reached his true potential with the team.

Injuries and bad relationships with his coaches were to blame for his lack of a regular spot in Munich. At Bayern he played 146 games and scored 31 goals before England's Blackburn Rovers signed him in 2007. He was a key player at Ewood Park: in 54 games, he scored 23 goals. Finally, after a long courtship, in the summer of 2009 he was purchased by Manchester City. With the Paraguayan national team he has played in two World Cups, and is the second-most prolific scorer in their history.

Strengths: His height means the aerial game is his main weapon though he is also two-footed and not lacking in composure on the ball.

Weaknesses: The long list of injuries he has suffered during his career.


Career high: During 2007-8, his first year at Blackburn Rovers, he revived his career and was top scorer.

Career low: One of the many knee injuries that he suffered towards the end of 2005 kept him for six months meaning he would later struggle to regain his previous form.

Style: A constant presence in the box, his physical strength is the basis of his game.

Trivia: A German band composed a song honoring Santa Cruz, entitled "Ich Roque". In the video, Santa Cruz appears singing the chorus.

Quotes: "He has been fantastic since he's come through the door. Not only have we been impressed by his technical ability and the pace and power that he has, but by his demeanour as well around the place." Mark Hughes.

Rashy Cruz says: His injuries are a problem and have kept him from performing at his best. His great challenge will be to find first-team place in the next few months and arrive at the World Cup in his best possible shape

Beckham: I won't celebrate scoring against United

AC Milan midfielder David Beckham has promised he will not celebrate if he scores against former club Manchester United in next week's Champions League last-16 clash.

United face Milan in the Champions League at the San Siro next Tuesday, with the return leg on March 10 at Old Trafford. And after 394 appearances for Sir Alex Ferguson's side, the England midfielder believes it would be inappropriate behaviour should he find the net for the Rossoneri.

It is the first time Beckham has faced his former club and he remains grateful to the fans who backed him after he was sent off against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup.

"Sometimes emotion can get the better of you when you score but I do not think I would celebrate," Beckham told Inside United magazine. "I respect the supporters and the club. The relationship I have with the fans is still important to me.

"I went through some difficult times but they never stopped supporting me. I would not have got through everything without them. To me they are the best fans in the world and the support they gave me week in, week out was incredible. Nothing will ever better that.''

Beckham started his career at United after moving up from London to sign schoolboy forms with the club and made his league debut in 1995, going on to play for eight more years at Old Trafford before moving to Real Madrid.

A high-profile transfer to LA Galaxy followed and the former England captain is currently on loan at Milan in a bid to retain his form and fitness and earn a place in Fabio Capello's World Cup squad. But Beckham admitted that after playing for three of the world's bioggest teams, it is his first club who remain his first love.

"I always wish I was part of Manchester United, it is just in me. Even though I am not there any more, I am still a huge fan. Coming to terms with not being a United player was certainly the toughest thing I've ever had to deal with. When you are a Manchester United player and a Manchester United fan you never want to play for any other club.

"I always want them to do well and be successful because the club still means so much to me. I've still got season tickets and I will always keep them because I love to watch every game where possible. I would love to take my sons one day. United will always be such a special place to me, so we will just have to see what the future holds.''


"United was the club I always wanted to play for and I loved every minute of my time there. The first few years (after leaving) were hard and there were a lot of things I missed. When I was at Real Madrid it just never felt right to come back to Old Trafford.

"The thought of playing against United always gave me that sick feeling because I missed the club so much. But when the draw was made this time it felt as though it was the right time to go back. I felt really emotional. It will also be extremely emotional for myself and my family on the night.

"I met so many amazing people during my time there, on and off the pitch, that I am looking forward to seeing everyone again. It is the biggest club in the world and it is one you always want to be a part of.''

Salman Khan 'the Patriot' to join Republic Day parade in Delhi

In his endeavour to promote his new film Veer, Salman Khan is going all-out to prove he's the new-age Manoj Kumar of our cinema

Suddenly, as it were, Salman has transformed into the perennial patriot promoting nationalism and brotherhood at any given cause.

According to sources close to the Khan, Salman will now be a part of the Republic Day parade on 26 January to not only participate in the event but also to comment on the whole concept of freedom and independence in the contemporary context.

According to a source, "This is Salman's golden opportunity to clean up his image. He wants to wipe out his anti-establishment image. He has made up with the media. Now he wants to project himself as someone who cares deeply for his country."



Producer Vijay Galani confirms Salman's presence and participation at the Republic Day parade in Delhi on January 26. Says Galani, "Salman will be seen live on a Hindi channel at the Republic Day parade talking about what freedom and independence mean to Indians."

Salman has been preparing extensively to hold forth in Delhi on 26 January. Says a close friend of the actor, "Salman is tired of being portrayed as the enfant-terrible. He wants a clean image. He's told his family and friends he'd like to set the right example for his younger fans."


The theme of Salman's Republic Day comments in Delhi would be, 'Do Not Misuse Your Freedom.' And a very close friend of Salman says, "When he'll talk about not misusing freedom Salman would be talking about himself as well."

Movie Review-My Name Is Khan

Shahrukh Khan: Rizvan Khan
My name is Rizvan Khan.
I might seem a little different to you. That is because I have Aspergers Syndrome. It is named after Dr Hans Aspersers who first noticed the traits in children. Having Aspergers does not mean I am stupid. I am very intelligent, but I don't understand people. I don't know why people say things they don't mean. For example, they say come to my house any time, and when I go to their house they say why have you come at this time? Sometimes people think I am rude. I don't mean to be rude, being rude is not good. My mother said there are only good people and bad people in the world and I am a good person...

Synopsis


Rizvan Khan, a Muslim man from India, moves to San Francisco and lives with his brother and sister-in-law. Rizvan, who has Aspergers, falls in love with Mandira. Despite protests from his family they get married and start a small business together. They are happy until September 11, 2001 when attitudes towards Muslims undergo a sea-change. When tragedy strikes, Mandira is devastated and they split. Rizvan is confused and very upset that the love of his life has left him. To win her back, he embarks on a touching and inspiring journey across America.

'My Name is Khan' is the triumphant story of an unconventional hero overcoming obstacles to regain the love of his life.

Five-star Man United go top of the pile

Manchester United crushed Portsmouth 5-0, with a hat-trick of Pompey own goals helping Sir Alex Ferguson's side climb to the top of the Premier League and piling more woe on the struggling south coast club.

Wayne Rooney, in irrepressible form of late, headed United in front with his seventh goal in the past four league games and when Anthony Vanden Borre put through his own net in first-half stoppage time, the game was over as a contest.

Two more own goals, first from Richard Hughes and then Marc Wilson, sandwiched an increasingly rare Dimitar Berbatov strike, as United turned up the heat on their title rivals with a ruthless display.

In Saturday's early kick-off Liverpool got the better of city rivals Everton, with a Dirk Kuyt goal giving Rafel Benitez's side a 1-0 victory in a feisty Merseyside derby.

When Sotirios Kyrgiakos was sent-off for the Reds after 34 minutes, it appeared Everton had a great opportunity to record their first win at Anfield since Kevin Campbell netted the winner in 1999. Marouane Fellaini went off injured after the two-footed challenge from Kyrgiakos, but was lucky not to have been sent from the pitch himself after replays revealed he stamped on the Greek defender.

Tim Cahill had a great chance just before half-time but his header was well over and in the second-half, Kuyt nodded home from Steven Gerrard's corner to send the Kop into raptures. Steven Pienaar was given his marching orders in injury time for a second booking - having been lucky to be on the pitch after a poor challenge in the first-half - and Liverpool held on to temporarily up to fourth in the league.

Tottenham Hotspur could not find a way past Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Friedel as two of this season's top-four hopefuls in the Premier League cancelled each other out in a 0-0 draw at White Hart Lane.

Spurs thought they could have had a last-gasp penalty when Jermain Defoe was challenged by Stiliyan Petrov - but it remained goalless.

Brian Laws claimed his first win as Burnley manager as goals from David Nugent and debutant Danny Fox earned a 2-1 win that fired the Clarets out of the relegation zone and plunged West Ham into the bottom three.

The Hammers signed three strikers in the transfer window and Gianfranco Zola handed Benni McCarthy his first start at Turf Moor, but it was Burnley's January recruits who shone the brightest, with David Nugent - fresh from having his loan from Portsmouth extended - opening the scoring after being put through by new boy Fox.

And the left-back was not content with creating goals, getting on the scoresheet himself with a left foot thunderbolt to give the Clarets a two-goal cushion. Zola threw on Mido and Ilan in the second-half and it was the latter who took his chance, scoring with nine minutes left on the clock, but it was Laws who was celebrating holding out for a win as the Hammers slipped into 18th place.

Stoke City produced a dominant display to down ten-man Blackburn Rovers 3-0 and continue their excellent form at the Britannia Stadium. It was a disappointing performance from Sam Allardyce's side who certainly weren't helped by Christopher Samba's second-half dismissal.

With two games in hand on Fulham - ahead of them in tenth - the Potters could potentially climb into the top half of the table with a couple of positive results. But boss Tony Pulis will have been content enough to see his side perform like a true Premier League outfit. Danny Higginbotham scored the first with a left-foot volley, before strikes from Mamady Sidibe and Matthe Etherington wrapped up the points.

Hull City beat moneybags Manchester City 2-1 to put a dent in Roberto Mancini's Champions League ambitions. Jozy Altidore broke the deadlock after half an hour, slotting home his first Premier League goal followingsome excellent work by Jan Venegoor of Hesselink, before George Boateng fired home a sensational second-half strike to double the lead.

Emmanuel Adebayor grabbed one back for City to make it a nervy end at the KC Stadium and Patrick Vieira came on for his second Premier League debut but the Tigers survived to climb out of the relegation zone.

Sunderland and Wigan shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw, as Steve Bruce failed to get one over on his old club. Mohamed Diame netted his first goal for the Latics to give Roberto Martinez's side a 20th minute lead but Kenwyne Jones salvaged a draw for the Wearsiders, heading home a Jordan Henderson cross.

Bolton Wanderers and Fulham played out a goalless draw in a dire encounter at the Reebok stadium. Mark Clattenburg disallowed a Kevin Davies goal late on, penalising the striker for a challenge on Cottagers defender Brede Hangeland to keep the score at 0-0.

Hull City 2 - 1 Manchester City

City fall to Hull defeat


Hull followed up Tuesday's draw with Premier League leaders Chelsea by defeating Manchester City at the KC Stadium to climb out of the relegation zone.

Phil Brown's side had not won since November but were buoyed by their performance against the Blues and deservedly took a 31st-minute lead through the impressive Jozy Altidore.

City then found themselves two down nine minutes after the break thanks to a rocket from George Boateng and, although Emmanuel Adebayor quickly pulled one back, they rarely threatened to equalise.

The talking point before the game was the inclusion in the City side of Wayne Bridge after two months out with a knee injury and amid the fall-out from John Terry's alleged affair with his former partner.

Craig Bellamy and youngster Dedryk Boyata also returned to the City starting XI while January signings Adam Johnson and Patrick Vieira were among the substitutes.

Hull boss Phil Brown named an unchanged XI from the side that drew with Chelsea.

Having booed Terry relentlessly when Chelsea visited the KC Stadium in midweek, the Hull fans also subjected Bridge to some taunts.

It was the hosts, clearly buoyed by their performance against the league leaders, who began the brighter and Altidore won a free-kick 20 yards out when he was felled by Kolo Toure, who picked up a yellow card.

The USA striker had looked lively from the start but his set-piece was deflected behind by the visitors' wall.

Boyata looked nervy and he became the second City defender to be booked inside 20 minutes when he pulled back Altidore after the striker had out-muscled him.

Stephen Hunt's free-kick from the left was headed away but, when it was launched back in, Steven Mouyokolo headed on for Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, who fired wide of the far post from 10 yards.

City simply could not get into their rhythm and it was Hull who deservedly took the lead in the 31st minute.

Boateng played the ball into Vennegoor of Hesselink just inside the area and his lay-off was expertly curled round Shay Given by Altidore for his first Premier League goal.

The visitors finally threatened in the final moments of the half but Mouyokolo did well to block Carlos Tevez's close-range effort and Bridge then saw his shot saved by Boaz Myhill after a neat move down the left.

Hull again came out of the blocks the faster at the start of the second half and Altidore felt he should have had a penalty for a challenge by Nigel de Jong but referee Phil Dowd waved play on.

But the home fans did not have long to wait for a second, and there cannot have been many better goals scored at the KC Stadium.

Hunt's corner, which came after Bridge was beaten for pace by Craig Fagan, was cleared but only as far as Boateng 25 yards out and his beautifully-struck volley flew past Given.

That gave Hull breathing space after only nine minutes of the half but five minutes later City were back in it.

Johnson came on for his debut in place of Stephen Ireland and it was his corner, after Myhill had pushed Tevez's shot round the past, that eventually resulted in Adebayor netting from inside the six-yard box.

City boss Roberto Mancini chose that moment to reintroduce former Arsenal midfielder Vieira to English football in place of Bellamy.

The momentum was now with the visitors and Myhill had to be alert to tip Johnson's free-kick behind while Amr Zaki replaced Altidore for Hull.

The home side were mostly playing on the break and Zaki got away down the left but his shot was easily saved by Given.

Bridge's afternoon ended five minutes early as Mancini sent on Martin Petrov as a final throw of the dice and Johnson then almost caught out Myhill with a cross from the right that the keeper was grateful to see drop behind for a corner.

Tevez's snapshot drew another stop from Myhill while a late barrage ended with Adebayor poking a tame shot at the keeper as Hull celebrated a priceless win.

Singapore News: Skeletal remains still a mystery

A man's skeletal remains were found amid burnt residue in a fourth floor flat at Block 148, Woodlands Street 13, on May 7 last year.

A fire investigation report by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) revealed that flammable liquid was detected on a metal container found near the body and on the dead man's trousers - suggesting the likelihood of the fire having been deliberately set using thinner as an accelerant.

The SCDF also said a lighter recovered near the man's remains could have been used to spark off the blaze.

State Coroner Victor Yeo, however, on Wednesday recorded an open verdict as the man's identity could not be determined - the body was already severely decomposed by the time the authorities found it.

The Coroner's Court heard that the flat belonged to a man identified as Wong Kok Cheong, 48, who is currently still untraceable. Station Inspector (SI) Teo Teck Heng, the investigation officer handling the case, said the police had searched Mr Wong's letterbox and found it filled with unopened letters addressed to him.

Two shavers, a tongue scraper and a comb taken from the flat were sent to the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) for DNA profiling.

The HSA also conducted DNA tests on the dead man's tooth and bone marrow but the profile obtained from the bone marrow did not match the ones taken from the seized items. The DNA profile was also not traced to any known person.

The body was discovered after a Housing Board contract supervisor, Mr Tan Soon Wan, entered the flat with two of his workers to conduct a check on the unit. He entered a bedroom and spotted the body lying outside an attached bathroom.

SI Teo told the court that police did not suspect foul play and that an autopsy report said the man possibly died from inhaling fumes from the fire.

Man City slammed over botched bid for Real's Gago

Fernando Gago's agent has hit out at Manchester City over their handling of their bid for the player, with Real Madrid's sporting director Jorge Valdano echoing his displeasure.

City reportedly made a bid for Gago last week before turning their attentions to Kenyan star McDonald Mariga; but when Mariga was refused a work permit, City tried to salvage a deal late on Monday for the Argentine midfielder, which smacked of desperation.

"City used us," Gago's agent Marcello Lombilla told radio station Onda Cero. "This has never happened to me before.

"I don't want to talk about the figures that City were offering because they approached Madrid without even knowing there wasn't physically enough time to put something together."

Real's sporting director Jorge Valdano was equally unimpressed with City's attempts, claiming that their lack of preparation hindered any hope of reaching a deal.

"They had nothing prepared, not even one document signed," Valdano told El Pais. "They had not reached an agreement with the player and they would have had to have done everything in 40 minutes."

Meanwhile, Patrick Vieira has shaken off the ankle injury that has prevented him from making his City debut and could feature in Saturday's game against Hull City.

"It has been a frustrating spell with the injury. Thank God it is over and I am ready to start, '' Vieira told the club's official website. "I suffered it in the last game for Inter and did not realise it was that bad. City have been right behind me and I have to thank them for that.

"I am looking forward to playing in the Premier League again and getting a run of games. When I was in Italy I followed the matches. They have been exciting and I really believe it is one of the best in the world.''

Man City beat deadline to sign Adam Johnson

Manchester City have completed the last-minute transfer of Middlesbrough winger Adam Johnson.

The former England Under-21 winger, who had been the subject of a previous bid from City, passed a medical this afternoon and has signed a contract until June 2014.

No fee has been announced but it has been reported Middlesbrough will get around £7million. "We are delighted that Adam has chosen to come here," City manager Roberto Mancini told the club's website. "He is a very good player with fantastic potential, and as a club we are always keen to sign British talent."

The Middlesbrough winger had been the subject of several bids from the Premier League club and Boro thought they had managed to hold on to a player regarded by many to be the best outside the top flight.

At the end of last week boss Gordon Strachan moved to assure fans that the 22-year-old would remain at the Riverside until the summer as Boro look to get back into the Championship play-off picture. Strachan comforted himself with the signings of Celtic striker Scott McDonald and Aberdeen Lee Miller.

After Boro chiefs held talks on Monday lunchtime, Johnson was told he could speak to the Eastlands club, and he is now in Manchester to thrash out the finer details of his move.

Reports suggest the fee for Johnson could be in the region of £8 million.

Johnson has scored 11 goals in 25 starts in the Championship this season after previously struggling to get into the Boro team when they were in the top flight. He has also spent time on loan with Watford and Leeds.

Confusion reigns over Benjani's Sunderland move

Steve Bruce is hopeful Benjani will be joining the club after Sunderland's last-gasp move for the Manchester City striker.

Speaking before Monday night's ESPN game with Stoke Bruce said his club had got all the paperwork off on time and were awaiting confirmation.

The 31-year-old Zimbabwean had been in talks with Blackburn but now his fate rests with the Premier League.

When asked if Benjani would be heading to the Stadium of Light Bruce said: "We hope so, we have done everything properly. It was very, very late but we hope it's been accepted by the FA.

"It was pretty hectic at five to five when everything was going in there. At this moment in time I'm not so sure but Niall Quinn the chairman is very, very confident that it has been completed."

Bruce also said he hoped Kenwyne Jones would hit top form again after his proposed move to Liverpool failed to materialise.

He said: "I think it's been unfortunate. there's been no offer from anyone for Kenwyne Jones. I think I've made it public about the Liverpool thing with a loan deal being bridged and obviously it's turned the boy's head a bit.

"My big aim is to get him turned round a bit and to be the Sunderland centre forward like we know he can be. He's a fantastic player and a good boy."

Bruce, after his team's dour 0-0 draw with Stoke City, blamed technical difficulties for any hold-up in the registration but remains hopeful.

"I think we've lodged everything in time, we've done everything we possibly can and I'm convinced we had everything in in time.

"The paperwork was lodged but we had some huge, huge difficulties and we informed both the Premier League and the FA at the time of those.

"It was well in front of the deadline when we got the green light to get Benjani in on loan but we had huge, huge difficulties with email and faxes so we hope a little common sense prevails.

"We wait to find out but I hope we are granted the player, who would be a huge boost to us."

Man City's move for Mariga collapses over permit

Mcdonald Mariga's move from Parma to the Premier League is off.

The Kenyan international midfielder was a target of Manchester City, but work permit issues have prevented a deal from being completed.

Parma's general manager Pietro Leonardi had told the Italian media on Monday: "We hope that this case will be resolved. We should have some update from England briefly.''

Mariga joined Parma on a permanent basis in the summer of 2008, after initially moving on loan from Helsingborgs, and the 20-year-old has made nine league appearances for the club this season.

He is under contract with the Serie A outfit until June 2012.

Man City table improved bid for Adam Johnson

Manchester City are believed to have made an increased bid for Middlesbrough winger Adam Johnson.

City had a £5 million offer for Johnson, 22, rejected last week but are now thought to have contacted Middlesbrough once more with a substantially improved bid.

Boro boss Gordon Strachan has stated he expects Johnson to still to be at the Riverside after Monday's 1700 GMT transfer deadline. However, chairman Steve Gibson might be reluctant to turn down increased terms for a player who will be out of contract at the end of the season.

Johnson was part of the Middlesbrough side that was held to a goalless draw by Bristol City yesterday. A product of Boro's highly-rated academy, despite being born in Sunderland, Johnson remained with the club following their relegation from the Premier League last term and it was anticipated he would be part of the club's push for promotion.

Instead, as results have proved difficult for Strachan to come by, Johnson has found himself linked with several top-flight clubs.

However, he is said to have informed Boro officials last week of his desire to hear what City are offering and that is only likely to intensify as Monday's deadline draws near.

The exit of record signing Robinho for Santos has created a space on the left of City's midfield, although it would put him in competition with Craig Bellamy and Martin Petrov.

Johnson's ability to play on the right, as he did so often for Boro before Stewart Downing's summer move to Aston Villa, would be an asset for manager Roberto Mancini.

And, after moving to within a point of a top-four place by beating Portsmouth at Eastlands this afternoon, City are keen to maintain their momentum and are determined not to miss out on their stated aim by not having enough depth in their squad.

City players were wearing "Team Bridge" t-shirts

Roberto Mancini revealed some of Manchester City's players wore shirts bearing the words "Team Bridge'' in support of team-mate Wayne Bridge during Sunday's Premier League win over Portsmouth.

Bridge is still missing with a knee injury but the City stars felt it was important to show their backing for the England full-back, who has found himself at the centre of a media storm following allegations England captain John Terry had an affair with the 29-year-old's former girlfriend.

And the City players showed whose side they are on with their statement, which Roberto Mancini recognised.

"The players are very close to Wayne,'' Mancini said. "He is a fantastic player and a good guy. It was a nice gesture.''

In a statement released yesterday, Bridge outlined his intention not to speak about Terry's relationship with Vanessa Perroncel and was interested only in the welfare of their three-year-old son.

But Bridge is known to be deeply distressed about the situation, not least because he regarded Terry as his friend, even to the extent of quitting the England team.

City captain Kolo Toure preferred to focus on football matters after the game, insisting that City can break into the top four this season.

"We have good players and the determination," Toure said. "We are now working very hard and we have a chance to be in the top four, so why not? Yes, we can, definitely.''

And Mancini also hailed his team's efforts, picking out the returning Emmanuel Adebayor for particular praise. The Togo striker scored in his first appearance since the horrific experience at the African Nations Cup when three of his country's backroom staff, including their driver, were killed in a gun attack on their team bus.

"I am very happy for Emmanuel to score this goal,'' Mancini said. "It was an incredible situation he has been involved in. For his sake I hope he can forget it but I think both he, and his family, know he has been very lucky.''

Vincent Kompany added another with a powerful header in first half stoppage time that ensured City gained maximum points against a limited Portsmouth outfit without ever getting near to their best.

"Physically we were probably a bit tired after the Manchester United game last Wednesday,'' Mancini said. "There are three or four teams who are pushing for fourth spot and we will keep fighting until the end of the season to get it.''

It was also confirmed Argentina defender Pablo Zabaleta broke his nose in a first half collision with Kevin-Prince Boateng, while a deadline-day move for Parma's Kenyan midfielder McDonald Mariga is anticipated.

Portsmouth boss Avram Grant declined to speak with the written press after the game, preferring to wait until the transfer window has passed before offering his opinions on the crisis at Fratton Park.

It was however confirmed the player's wages are expected to be paid tomorrow - financed through the sale of Younes Kaboul to Tottenham - just one day late.

Coach Paul Groves claimed Portsmouth's performance said a lot about the players' character, although he admitted he had no idea how many more players would be sold before tomorrow's 5pm GMT deadline.

"It is not a question I can answer,'' he said. "Obviously once 5pm comes around then we can start moving forward again.''

However, Groves said he expected goalkeeping duo David James - who featured this afternoon - and Asmir Begovic - whose move to Tottenham has collapsed - to still be at the club tomorrow evening, in addition to Grant.

"Avram has already shown his commitment to the club,'' said Groves. "He is being positive and working very hard to try and get some results. We are not in this for professional pride. We are in this to win matches.''

Manchester City 2 - 0 Portsmouth

Scoring return for Adebayor


Emmanuel Adebayor acknowledged the heavens in remembrance after scoring for the first time since the gun attack in Angola that left him fearing for his life.

Three members of the Togo backroom staff were killed in the terrorist atrocity that resulted in Adebayor and his team-mates pulling out of the African Nations Cup.

There was no joyous celebration as Adebayor rattled his 40th-minute effort past David James to open the scoring in a 2-0 victory over crisis club Portsmouth. But as City returned for the second half, the former Arsenal star looked quietly but pointedly to the sky in honour of his fallen colleagues.

By then, Vincent Kompany had powered home a header from Martin Petrov's corner to ensure the Blues moved to within a point of fourth spot despite a less than convincing performance that was still enough to overcome Pompey, who tried hard enough but were too limited to have any impact.

Although Grant has pledged to remain as manager, there is little to be gained from his job at present other that personal pride. The sale of Younes Kaboul without his knowledge was a lamentable indictment on the state of a club desperately trying to raise money just to pay the wages this month.

Grant was only able to name a full set of substitutes because Quincy Owusu-Abeye signed on loan and the loss of skipper Hermann Hreidarsson to injury during the first half could cause a problem if reinforcements are not brought in before Monday's 5pm GMT transfer deadline.

It was to Grant's credit that Pompey were the better side for 39 minutes. Taking advantage of City's unusual lethargy, the visitors carved out two fine chances.

John Utaka, one of the few survivors from that 2008 FA Cup final win, was presented with the first but leaned back too far when he got on the end of Danny Webber's cross and scooped his shot over.

Webber and Utaka were also heavily involved in the move that ended with Kompany deflecting Anthony Vanden Borre's shot onto his own bar.

Stephen Ireland may only be a slight figure. But he had the strength to hold off Webber and stop the former Watford man tapping Portsmouth in front.

Problems are all relative of course. Yes, it is not nice to see such a proud old club suffering an implosion that seems destined to end in administration. But, compared to what Adebayor has been through, it really is irrelevant.

The last act of Togo's African Nations Cup was to be banned for two tournaments. Given their recent experience, they are probably quite glad even if the decision itself is almost impossible to comprehend.

Anyone with an ounce of compassion could have understood what was going through Adebayor's mind after he crashed his 40th-minute shot past David James.

Latching onto Ireland's lofted pass, his marker Mark Wilson appealing in vain for offside, Adebayor acted as though he no longer knew how to celebrate, an acknowledgement to the heavens at the start of the second half told its own story.

Kompany effectively wrapped up victory in stoppage time. At City's previous corner, the Belgian had complained of being impeded by Tal Ben Haim. Having gained no response from referee Martin Atkinson, Kompany took matters into his own hands, simply shrugging the Israeli aside as they ran to meet Martin Petrov's corner, before powering home his first goal of the season.

Portsmouth continued to work hard after the break, which, like Grant, is a testament to their professionalism. Webber might have breathed fresh life into the contest when he tried to turn home the loose ball after Shay Given had saved from Angelos Basinas. Unfortunately, the striker missed his kick and fell over.

Now Grant lurches on towards deadline day, six points adrift of the survival waterline, having no real idea what players he is going to be left with at 5pm.

Wayne Bridge will get England call-up if fit

Wayne Bridge will be selected by Fabio Capello for the England squad for the friendly with Egypt on March 3 if he is fit.
Bridge's last appearance for Manchester City came on December 5 and his international selection depends purely on his fitness, rather than concerns over the scandal that has erupted around England captain John Terry in recent days.

Bridge has not notified the England management or the FA that he has de-listed himself for selection, despite intense speculation that he would refuse to "be in the same room" as the current captain following allegations about Terry's private life over the weekend.

Capello has dealt with high profile players in clubs like Real Madrid and had to manage delicate situations. The Italian has always made a very strict distinction about players' private lives and their professional lives, but in the case of Terry, the problem is that it overlaps into the England squad, which makes his decision a tough one.

But there is no decision for Capello to make over Bridge.Capello will judge Bridge purely on his ability to be fit for selection. It will be for the left back to decide whether he still wishes to be a possible member of Capello's 23-man squad to travel to the World Cup finals in South Africa.

Clearly Capello also intends to select Terry for the World Cup finals, whether or not he remains as captain, and for the time being no decision has been made to strip the Chelsea captain of the England honour.

A source revealed: "The only problem concerning the England manager about Wayne Bridge is his fitness, his ability to recover in time to be considered for selection for the England squad for the friendly with Egypt.

"Wayne Bridge is clearly one of the options available to Fabio to name in his 23-man squad for the finals. The England manager is considering him as a player, not as an ex-friend of any other players."